Mazda showcases design ability in Milan

MAZDA flexed its design muscle at the "Mazda Design: The Car as Art" in the Italian fashion haven of Milan this week.

Among the items revealed was a bike and sofa.

"Bike by Kodo concept" is a track racer. The frame was formed by hammering a single sheet of steel and the black leather saddle is hand-stitched, featuring the same red thread and stitch design as the All-New Mazda MX-5.

"Sofa by Kodo concept," a collaborative effort between Mazda's designers and Italian furniture makers, exhibits an blend of Mazda Design's refined sensibilities and fine Italian craftsmanship backed by a long tradition of furniture-making.

The sofa is a collaboration between Mazda and Italian furniture builders.

Also on display at the event are a number of works by traditional Japanese craftsmen inspired by Mazda's 'KODO - Soul of Motion' design philosophy.

Kodoki is a tsuiki copperware wine cooler hammered from a single sheet of copper in Japan's Gyokusendo metal-working studio.

"Over the past few years, design has become an essential part of who we are, adding an artistic value to the entire Mazda brand experience," said Masahiro Moro, Mazda's managing executive officer in charge of global marketing, customer service and sales innovation.

"As such, it only makes sense that we introduce our design messages here in Milan, a city of the apex of the design world, in order to elevate our brand image.

"Moving forward, we will create more opportunities to familiarise customers with Mazda and Mazda design in order to raise the value of our brand and strengthen our bond with customers."